The extent to which knowledge of South Africa’s indigenous people (as key stakeholders) is part of rural development project management

Abstract

In the past two decades, the dawn of democratic governance in South Africa has influenced relevant authorities to systematically integrate indigenous knowledge (IK) into rural development project management. These projects are intended to uplift the socioeconomic conditions of underdeveloped rural communities which, despite the existence of rural development projects, remain characterised by high levels of inequality, unemployment and poverty. These characteristics suggest a lack of success in rural development projects. In order to enhance their success, these projects may need, among other things, the integration of IK into rural development project management. The study used the Northern Cape Province as a case study to measure the extent to which the knowledge of South Africa’s indigenous people (as key stakeholders) is part of rural development project management. The study employed qualitative design with individual and focus group interviews being employed to collect data which was then analysed with Atlas.ti software. The sample consisted of seven development projects from various districts in the study area. Results indicated minimal involvement of IK in development project management process, and where there was involvement, it was on an ad hoc basis and was done without the knowledge of other critical stakeholders. The article recommends the inclusion of IK in rural development project management, as well as the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in project management process.